Drug and Alcohol intoxication and Subsequent Harm in night-time Entertainment Districts (DASHED)

Abstract

This report presents the findings of a study, Drug and Alcohol intoxication and Subsequent Harm in night-time Entertainment Districts (DASHED), which investigated the harms associated with alcohol across Canberra and Hobart between April and December 2015. The study used a combination of over 1,600 night-time entertainment precinct patron interviews, covert observations in and around licensed establishments, alcohol and substance related ambulance attendances, alcohol-related presentations in emergency departments, recorded alcohol-related offence data from ACT Policing and Tasmania Police, and liquor licence enforcement actions within Tasmania. Suggested policy directions from the study include: last drinks at all venues set at 2am as a default minimum, a minimum price per standard drink, bans on problem patrons entering entertainment districts, with mandatory ID scanner provisions to ensure bans are put in place, trialling the restricted sale of energy drinks after 10pm, and the introduction of public education campaigns on the risks of mixing alcohol and energy drinks, a public list of venues that are failing to meet licence conditions, a national review of security standards and training in licensed venues, and increased penalties, such as trading hour restrictions or temporary closure, for venues with a high number of assaults.